Ten Duel Commandments
Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Lyrics

"Ten Duel Commandments" is a song from the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton," and it provides a humorous yet informative guide on the rules and practices of dueling during the time period in which the musical is set.

The song begins with the repetition of numbers, emphasizing that it is about the Ten Duel Commandments. The first commandment explains that if someone challenges you to a duel, you should demand satisfaction. If the person apologizes, there is no need for further action.

The second commandment instructs that if an apology is not given, you should bring a friend as your "second." This second is your lieutenant, someone who supports and assists you in the duel.

The third commandment advises that the seconds should meet face to face to negotiate a peaceful resolution. They can either negotiate peace or determine a time and place for the duel. This was a common practice, especially among recruits who often had minor disagreements that could be resolved without violence.

If a peace agreement is not reached, the fourth commandment states that it is time to gather pistols and a doctor. The payment for the doctor's services is given in advance, and the shooter must treat the doctor with respect and have the doctor turn around during the duel to maintain plausible deniability.

The fifth commandment suggests that the duel should take place before sunrise. The shooter should pick a location that is dry and elevated.

The sixth commandment advises leaving a note for your next of kin, telling them where you have been. This is done in case the duel ends fatally, and the person wants their loved ones to know what happened. They also pray that they will be accepted into either heaven or hell.

The seventh commandment urges confessing your sins before the duel and being ready for the rush of adrenaline when facing your opponent.

The eighth commandment encourages the last chance for negotiation. Send in your seconds to see if they can resolve the conflict and clarify any misunderstandings.

The ninth commandment advises looking your opponent in the eye and aiming no higher. It emphasizes gathering all the courage you can muster before taking your shot.

The song then takes a humorous turn as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr have a conversation. Burr questions the wisdom of dueling, calling it dumb and immature. Hamilton responds that Burr's own man must answer for his words with his life. They engage in a brief argument about the consequences of duels before deciding to proceed with their own duel.

The final commandment instructs the participants to take ten paces away from each other before firing their weapons. At this point, the duel is about to commence.

Overall, "Ten Duel Commandments" provides an insight into the rules and procedures of dueling during the time of Hamilton and adds depth to the historical context of the story.